Juvenile Law Center has been working to protect children’s rights in Luzerne County since 1999. Most recently, JLC asked the Supreme Court to review the cases of hundreds of youths in Luzerne County who were adjudicated delinquent without representation of counsel, many of whom were placed in juvenile detention or sent to residential programs. Although the Supreme Court denied review in early January, on January 26 information became public regarding Judge Ciavarella’s misconduct.

In light of the recent charges against Judge Ciavarella and another Judge in the County, many families are left wondering what impact this will have on the charges and placement of their children. Juvenile adjudications do not just disappear and so even youth who have exited the system may still face long-lasting barriers as a result of their adjudication.

Next Wednesday, February 4, Juvenile Law Center will be hosting a Family Forum in Wilkes-Barre to answer questions and discuss possible strategies to obtain remedy for the affected families. If you are interested in attending this forum and are a family member of a youth who was adjudicated or placed in detention by Judge Ciavarella between 2003 and May 2008, please contact Juvenile Law Center via email at luzernefamilies@jlc.org or by telephone at (215) 625-0551 or (800) 875-8887 (in PA only).